A Single Dermatome Clinical Prediction Rule for Independent Walking 1 Year After Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To derive and validate a simple, accurate CPR to predict future independent walking ability after SCI at the bedside that does not rely on motor scores and is predictive for those initially classified in the middle of the SCI severity spectrum. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. Binary variables were derived, indicating degrees of sensation to evaluate predictive value of pinprick and light touch variables across dermatomes. The optimal single sensory modality and dermatome was used to derive our CPR, which was validated on an independent dataset. SETTING: Analysis of SCI Model Systems dataset. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with traumatic SCI. The data of 3679 participants (N=3679) were included with 623 participants comprising the derivation dataset and 3056 comprising the validation dataset. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported ability to walk both indoors and outdoors. RESULTS: Pinprick testing at S1 over lateral heels, within 31 days of SCI, accurately identified future independent walkers 1 year after SCI. Normal pinprick in both lateral heels provided good prognosis, any pinprick sensation in either lateral heel provided fair prognosis, and no sensation provided poor prognosis. This CPR performed satisfactorily in the middle SCI severity subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: In this large multi-site study, we derived and validated a simple, accurate CPR using only pinprick sensory testing at lateral heels that predicts future independent walking after SCI.

The social dimension of quality of life following spinal cord injury or disease: an international ICF-linking study.

STUDY DESIGN: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) linking study. OBJECTIVE: Analyze cognitive interview data using the ICF as an analytic framework, to examine aspects of social life relevant to quality of life (QoL) according to people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). This study builds upon results of an international study about the cross-cultural validity of the International SCI QoL Basic Data Set (QoL-BDS). SETTING: Four specialized outpatient clinics in SCI/D rehabilitation, from the US, Brazil and Australia. METHODS: Analysis of qualitative data from 39 cognitive interviews with SCI/D patients at least one year post onset. Participants were asked to define their concept of QoL, overall life satisfaction, physical health and psychological health, and other relevant matters. Four independent researchers coded text fragments related to the items, and fragments were linked to ICF chapters d6-d9, following established linking rules. RESULTS: The proportion of text referring to social life was 35.8% (definition QoL), 24.9% (QoL life as whole), 6.0% (physical health) and 34.9% (psychological health). The most frequent ICF categories were d760 Family relationships, d770 Intimate relationships and d920 Recreation and leisure. Most frequent responded social topics to the 'other issues' item were d770 Intimate relationships, d760 Formal relationships, and d870 Economic self-sufficiency. CONCLUSION: The importance of social life aspects to the QoL was highlighted based on responses of SCI/D patients, clearly demonstrated through the ICF linking process. Adding a satisfaction with social life item to the QoL-BDS has made this instrument a more comprehensive measure.

Residential Mobility and Reasons for Moving Among People Living With Spinal Cord Injury: Results of a Multisite Survey Study.

Background: Residential mobility after spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been extensively examined despite a growing interest in investigating the relationship between neighborhood exposures and community living outcomes. Objectives: This study explores residential mobility patterns, the annual move rate, and reasons for moving among a community-living sample of adults with SCI. Methods: A survey was conducted with 690 people at six SCI Model Systems centers in the United States between July 2017 and October 2020. The outcomes included move status in the past 12 months, move distance, and the primary reason for moving. A sample from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year pooled estimates was obtained for comparative analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the distributions of the outcomes and differences between the samples. Results: The annual move rate for adults with SCI was 16.4%, and most moves were within the same county (56.6%). Recent movers were more likely to be young adults, be newly injured, and have low socioeconomic status. Housing quality, accessibility, and family were more frequently reported motivations for moving compared to employment. Young adults more commonly moved for family and accessibility, whereas middle-aged adults more commonly moved for housing quality. No notable difference was observed in the annual move rate between the SCI and the general population samples. Conclusion: These findings suggest an age-related pattern of residential relocation after SCI, which may be indicative an extended search for optimal living conditions that meet the housing and accessibility needs of this population.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Enhanced Cardiometabolic Health and Function for Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Caregiver/Care-Receiver Co-Treatment: A Study Protocol of a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly accelerates morbidity and mortality, partly due to the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), including neurogenic obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. While exercise and dietary interventions have shown some transient benefits in reducing CMD risk, they often fail to improve clinically relevant disease markers and cardiovascular events. Moreover, SCI also places caregiving demands on their caregivers, who themselves experience health and functional decline. This underscores the need for more substantial interventions that incorporate appropriate physical activity, heart-healthy nutrition, and behavioral support tailored to the SCI population. OBJECTIVES: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol will (1) assess the health and functional effects, user acceptance, and satisfaction of a 6-month comprehensive therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) adapted from the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for individuals with chronic SCI and (2) examine the impact of a complementary caregiver program on the health and function of SCI caregivers and evaluate user acceptance and satisfaction. Caregivers (linked with their partners) will be randomized to 'behavioral support' or 'control condition'. METHODS: Dyadic couples comprise individuals with SCI (18-65 years, >1-year post-injury, ASIA Impairment Scale A-C, injury levels C5-L1) and non-disabled SCI caregivers (18-65 years). Both groups undergo lock-step circuit resistance training, a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, and 16 educational sessions focused on diet/exercise goals, self-monitoring, psychological and social challenges, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. The outcome measures encompass the cardiometabolic risks, cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammatory stress, multidimensional function, pain, life quality, independence, self-efficacy, program acceptance, and life satisfaction for SCI participants. The caregiver outcomes include multidimensional function, pain, quality of life, independence, and perceived caregiver burden. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluates the effects and durability of a structured, multi-modal intervention on health and function. The results and intervention material will be disseminated to professionals and consumers for broader implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02853149 Registered 2 August 2016.

Predictors of resilience for people with spinal cord injury over two periods of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions: a 12-month longitudinal study using structural equation modelling.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is disproportionately impacting the health of people with disability. Resilience has remained an important health promoting characteristic during periods of social distancing restrictions. Factors promoting resilience for people with disability under the context of the pandemic remains poorly understood. Studies have yet to investigate evidence-based factors that promote resilience over multiple periods of restrictions for people with disability. METHODS: A longitudinal study developed via a collaborative partnership between peer-support workers with lived experience of spinal cord injury (SCI) and university researchers was undertaken to fill knowledge gaps around factors promoting resilience for people with SCI during two periods of stringent social distancing restrictions within Victoria, Australia. Over 12-months, participants with SCI completed two surveys, towards the end of two lockdown periods. Evidence-based factors associated with resilience were measured. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, the International SCI Quality of Life scale, and the 10-item Conor Davidson Resilience Scale, respectively measured autonomy and participation limitations, life satisfaction and psychological health, and resilience. A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach established factors directly and indirectly associated with resilience. RESULTS: A model with excellent fit was produced. During two extended lockdowns over the 12-month period, increased family role limitations and favourable psychological health were respectively, negatively (Lockdown 1 [n = 127]: ß = -.251, p < .01, Lockdown 2: ß = -.400, p < .01) and positively (Lockdown 1: ß = .601, p < .01, Lockdown 2 [n = 65]: ß = .430, p < .01) associated with resilience. Indirect negative associations between resilience and increased outdoor autonomy limitations (Lockdown 1: ß = -.195, p < .01, Lockdown 2: ß = -.255, p < .01) and social life limitations (Lockdown 1: ß = -.217, p < .01, Lockdown 2: ß = -.142, p < .05) existed, and these relationships were moderated by psychological health. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological health, and participation and autonomy are determinants of resilience during periods of crisis. Health and social care providers and public health departments should prioritise programs promoting these domains, to counter the negative impact of social distancing.

Exploring perspectives on assistive technology use: barriers, facilitators, and access.

PURPOSE: This qualitative study explored perceived barriers and facilitators to access and utilization of assistive technology (AT) among Veterans and civilians living with tetraplegia. We also explored differences in access to and utilization of AT between civilians and Veterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 32 adults (15 Veterans, 17 non-Veterans) living with tetraplegia between the ages of 18 and 65 and who were at least one-year post-injury. Focus groups were conducted at two rehabilitation sites: Craig Hospital and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Participants were asked to discuss what they perceive as (1) the facilitators and barriers of AT access and utilization, and (2) the value of AT use in everyday living. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Facilitators of AT utilization and access included being connected to resources, trial-and-error, and knowledge gained from peers. Barriers to AT use included cost of devices, a general lack of awareness of resources, and requirements for eligibility; the latter two themes were endorsed solely by Veteran participants. Benefits of AT included increased independence, participation, productivity, quality of life, and safety. Findings highlight key facilitators of AT procurement and use, barriers that contribute to underutilization of AT, and important benefits experienced as a result of using AT that underscore the importance of AT for individuals with SCI.

The need to maintain connections with rehabilitation resources (e.g., the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapists, the VA, inpatient facilities) is vital to learning about and procuring AT.There is a need for a tailored approach to address AT underutilization in civilian and Veteran populations.Despite the barriers to AT use and the challenges associated with discovery of AT, utilization of AT may lead to increased independence, participation, productivity, quality of life, and safety.

Venous thromboembolism: Exploring incidence and utility of screening in spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and possible risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients admitted to a SCI rehabilitation center. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Acute neurorehabilitation hospital specializing in SCI. METHODS: Records of 228 consecutive admissions were reviewed. All patients received screening four limb ultrasounds on admission. Charts were reviewed to determine whether VTE was diagnosed at the acute care hospital or in the rehabilitation center; either on admission screening or later in the rehabilitation stay. Charts were reviewed to identify potential risk factors for VTE as well as the incidence of bleeding complications in patients on full anticoagulation. RESULTS: In this cohort, 115 deep venous thromboses (DVTs) were identified in the following settings: 27% in acute care [n = 31], 70% on admission to rehabilitation [n = 80], and 24% during the rehabilitation stay [n = 28]. Of those on therapeutic anticoagulation due to admission diagnosis of VTE [n = 63], 12.7% developed recurrent DVT and 9.5% had bleeding complications. Of those who were initiated and continued on therapeutic anticoagulation, there was zero incidence of PE. Risk factors for the development of VTE included age, body mass index (BMI), rehabilitation length of stay, injury etiology, spinal cord-related surgery, and history of inferior vena cava filter. CONCLUSIONS: DVT was identified in 70% of this cohort with screening ultrasound on admission to rehabilitation and of those initiated and continued on therapeutic anticoagulation, none developed PE, while 9.5% had bleeding complications. Given the findings of this study, prospective research in noninvasive vascular ultrasound screening for VTE should be considered.

Responsiveness of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set V2.0: An international longitudinal study.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Examine the sensitivity of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set V2.0 (QoL-BDS V2.0) to reflect changes in mobility and secondary health conditions (SHCs) between inpatient rehabilitation and one-year follow-up. DESIGN: International longitudinal study. Questionnaires were administered at baseline (Median 6 weeks, inter-quartile range 4-10 weeks post-onset) and after 12 months. SETTING: Spinal cord rehabilitation institutions in the US, Brazil, Australia and the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: : Individuals with recent onset of spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/SCD) admitted to inpatient rehabilitation. OUTCOME MEASURES: The QoL-BDS V2.0, comprises four items on satisfaction with 'life as a whole', 'physical health', 'psychological health', and 'social life'. Mobility level was measured with a single item and SHCs with the SCI Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS). RESULTS: Of the 160 participants, 61% had SCI, 48% had tetraplegia and 82% were wheelchair-users. Scores on 'life as a whole', 'physical health' and the total scale were significantly higher at follow-up compared to baseline in the total sample and the SCD subgroup, but not in the SCI subgroup. Increases in 'physical health', 'psychological health', 'social life' and the total score were significantly associated with improvements in the SCI-SCS or mobility scores. Participants with improved SCI-SCS and mobility at follow-up showed significantly more improvement in satisfaction with social life and the total score compared to participants without such favorable changes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide partial evidence of responsiveness of the QoL-BDS V2.0 total score as a measure of QoL among individuals with SCI/SCD.

International spinal cord injury socio-demographic basic data set (version 1.0).

STUDY DESIGN: Consensus based on the literature. OBJECTIVE: Create an International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Socio-Demographic Basic Data Set (Version 1.0). SETTING: International. METHODS: The development included an iterative process where the authors reviewed existing variables containing socio-demographic variables and created a first dataset draft, which was followed by several revisions through email communications. In addition, the work was conducted in parallel with a similar endeavour within the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke SCI Common Data Elements project in the United States. Subsequently, harmonization between the two projects was sought. Following this, a review process was initiated, including The International SCI Data Sets Committee, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Board, and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Scientific and Executive Committees, and then by publishing on the respective websites for membership feedback. The draft was sent to about 40 national and international organizations and several interested individuals for feedback. All review comments were discussed in the working group and responded to before the final draft was developed, and finally approved by ASIA Board and the ISCoS Scientific and Executive committees. RESULTS: The final International SCI Socio-Demographic Basic Data Set includes the following variables: Date of data collection, Marital status, Household member count, Years of formal education, and Primary occupation. CONCLUSION: The International SCI Socio-Demographic Basic Data Set will facilitate uniform data collection and reporting of socio-demographic information at the time of injury as well as at post-injury follow-ups to facilitate the evaluation and comparisons across studies.

Venous Thromboembolism: Exploring Incidence and Utility of Screening in Individuals With Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of VTE in the population with brain injuries (BIs) using ultrasonography, and to assess the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) development and/or bleeding complications related to anticoagulation. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Acute rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 238 individuals with moderate to severe BI who were routinely screened for VTE with ultrasonography on admission to rehabilitation (N=238). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Retrospective chart review was performed to identify individuals who were diagnosed with VTE at the following 3 time points: in acute care prior to admission to rehabilitation, at the time of admission diagnosed via screening examination, and after admission to rehabilitation. Additionally, risk factors for VTE, PE, and incidence of bleeding complications related to therapeutic anticoagulation were assessed. RESULTS: 123 deep vein thromboses (DVTs) were identified with 38.2% in acute care (n=47), 69.1% on admission to rehabilitation (n=85), and 7.3% during the course of rehabilitation stay (n=9). Risk factors for development of VTE included age at injury, body mass index, injury etiology, history of neurosurgical procedure, and surgery during inpatient rehabilitation. Of those who were placed on therapeutic anticoagulation due to admission diagnosis of VTE (n=50), 2% developed recurrent DVT and 2% had bleeding complications. There was zero incidence of PE. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a high prevalence of VTEs identified on screening ultrasonography on admission to inpatient rehabilitation among individuals with moderate to severe BIs, and low complications related to anticoagulation. Given the findings of this study, prospective research in ultrasonography screening for VTE in moderate to severe BI is needed.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of overground robotic training versus conventional locomotor training in people with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Few, if any estimates of cost-effectiveness for locomotor training strategies following spinal cord injury (SCI) are available. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of locomotor training strategies following spinal cord injury (overground robotic locomotor training versus conventional locomotor training) by injury status (complete versus incomplete) using a practice-based cohort. METHODS: A probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using a prospective, practice-based cohort from four participating Spinal Cord Injury Model System sites. Conventional locomotor training strategies (conventional training) were compared to overground robotic locomotor training (overground robotic training). Conventional locomotor training included treadmill-based training with body weight support, overground training, and stationary robotic systems. The outcome measures included the calculation of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) using the EQ-5D and therapy costs. We estimate cost-effectiveness using the incremental cost utility ratio and present results on the cost-effectiveness plane and on cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. RESULTS: Participants in the prospective, practice-based cohort with complete EQ-5D data (n = 99) qualified for the analysis. Both conventional training and overground robotic training experienced an improvement in QALYs. Only people with incomplete SCI improved with conventional locomotor training, 0.045 (SD 0.28), and only people with complete SCI improved with overground robotic training, 0.097 (SD 0.20). Costs were lower for conventional training, $1758 (SD $1697) versus overground robotic training $3952 (SD $3989), and lower for those with incomplete versus complete injury. Conventional overground training was more effective and cost less than robotic therapy for people with incomplete SCI. Overground robotic training was more effective and cost more than conventional training for people with complete SCI. The incremental cost utility ratio for overground robotic training for people with complete spinal cord injury was $12,353/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: The most cost-effective locomotor training strategy for people with SCI differed based on injury completeness. Conventional training was more cost-effective than overground robotic training for people with incomplete SCI. Overground robotic training was more cost-effective than conventional training for people with complete SCI. The effect estimates may be subject to limitations associated with small sample sizes and practice-based evidence methodology. These estimates provide a baseline for future research.

Predicting Outdoor Walking 1 Year After Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective, Multisite External Validation Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Predicting future outdoor walking ability after spinal cord injury (SCI) is important, as this is associated with community engagement and social participation. A clinical prediction rule (CPR) was derived for predicting outdoor walking 1 year after SCI. While promising, this CPR has not been validated, which is necessary to establish its clinical value. The objective of this study was to externally validate the CPR using a multisite dataset. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of US SCI Model Systems data from 12 centers. L3 motor score, L5 motor score, and S1 sensory score were used as predictor variables. The dataset was split into testing and training datasets. The testing dataset was used as a holdout dataset to provide an unbiased estimate of prediction performance. The training dataset was used to determine the optimal CPR threshold through a "leave-one-site-out" cross-validation framework. The primary outcome was self-reported outdoor walking ability 1 year after SCI. RESULTS: A total of 3721 participants' data were included. Using the optimal CPR threshold (CPR ≥ 33 threshold value), we were able to predict outdoor walking 1 year with high cross-validated accuracy and prediction performance. For the entire dataset, area under receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.900 (95% confidence interval: 0.890-0.910; P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The outdoor walking CPR has been externally validated. Future research should conduct a clinical outcomes and cost-benefit impact analysis for implementing this CPR. Our results support that clinicians may use this 3-variable CPR for prediction of future outdoor walking ability.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A411 ).

International Spinal Cord Injury Core Data Set (version 3.0)-including standardization of reporting.

STUDY DESIGN: Expert opinion, feedback, revisions and final consensus. OBJECTIVES: To update the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Core Data Set while still retaining recommended standardization of data reporting. SETTING: International. METHODS: Comments on the data elements received from the SCI community were discussed in the International Core Data Set working group. The suggestions from this group were iteratively reviewed. The final version was circulated for final approval. RESULTS: The International SCI Core Data Set (Version 3.0) consists of 21 variables. The variable 'Gender' has been changed to 'Sex assigned at birth'; for the variable 'Spinal Cord Injury Etiology', the item, 'Sports or exercise during leisure time', has been clarified as 'including during leisure time'; for the variables 'Vertebral injury' and 'Associated injuries', the item 'Unknown' is reworded into: 'Not applicable (non-traumatic case)' and 'Unknown'; the variable 'Spinal surgery' has been expanded to include surgeries for individuals with non-traumatic SCI; for the variables related to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI only the neurological level of injury (NLI) and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) are to be reported, and a separate variable is included indicating if the NLI or the AIS or both are impacted by a non-SCI condition. CONCLUSION: The International SCI Core Data Set (Version 3.0) should be collected and reported for all studies of SCI to facilitate uniform descriptions of SCI populations and facilitate comparison of results collected worldwide.

A comparison of one year outcomes between standardized locomotor training and usual care after motor incomplete spinal cord injury: Community participation, quality of life and re-hospitalization.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in a significant loss of mobility and independence coinciding with reports of decreased quality of life (QOL), community participation, and medical complications often requiring re-hospitalization. Locomotor training (LT), the repetition of stepping-like patterning has shown beneficial effects for improving walking ability after motor incomplete SCI, but the potential impact of LT on psychosocial outcomes has not been well-established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate one year QOL, community participation and re-hospitalization outcomes between individuals who participated in a standardized LT program and those who received usual care (UC). DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective (nested case/control) analysis was completed using SCI Model Systems (SCIMS) data comparing one year post-injury outcomes between individuals with traumatic motor incomplete SCI who participated in standardized LT to those who received UC. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes compared include the following: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS™), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique-Short Form (CHART-SF™), and whether or not an individual was re-hospitalized during the first year of injury. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements for the LT group were found in the following outcomes: SWLS (P = 0.019); and CHART subscales [mobility (P = <0.001)]; occupation (P = 0.028); with small to medium effects sizes. CONCLUSION: Individuals who completed a standardized LT intervention reported greater improvements in satisfaction with life, community participation, and fewer re-hospitalizations at one year post-injury in comparison to those who received UC. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these findings.

A Study Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Improve Outcomes After Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: The consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) can place significant demands on an individual's coping mechanisms. Interventions to promote psychological adjustment and coping are often included in inpatient rehabilitation programs; however, following discharge, many individuals with SCI do not receive ongoing counseling or education about psychological adjustment to disability. Effective postacute treatment models are needed to help individuals with SCI build skills that help them adapt to the stresses associated with a chronic physical disability, alleviate the consequences of anxiety and depression, and enhance subjective well-being. Objectives: To describe the protocol for a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a 6-week intervention designed to improve psychosocial outcomes after SCI. Methods: To test efficacy and replicability of the intervention, we designed a three-arm, multisite RCT with assessments conducted at six time points. Our primary hypothesis is that participants in the Group arm will report greater improvements in psychosocial outcomes than participants who complete the intervention individually via video (Individual arm) or those who do not receive the intervention (Control arm). We also hypothesize that participants in the Group arm will maintain greater improvements in psychosocial outcomes longer than those in the individual or control arms. Conclusion: Results of the RCT will be presented and published to professionals and consumers, and intervention training and materials will be made available upon request.

The pet project: A qualitative exploration into the experience of pet ownership following spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study OBJECTIVES: To explore the unique experience of facilitators, barriers, rewards, and challenges related to pet ownership after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Zoom for Healthcare videoconferencing platform hosted from an American neuro-rehabilitation hospital in Colorado. METHODS: Sixteen individuals with SCI participated in three semi-structured focus groups of 5-6 participants each. Resulting discussions were transcribed and coded using a hybrid approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Experiences of pet ownership were categorized by their representativeness of four key themes: facilitators (conditions that make obtaining or maintaining pets easier), barriers (conditions that were prohibitive or that prevented people from having pets), rewards (benefits of pet ownership), and challenges (difficulties associated with pet ownership). Participants cited equipment, tools, and services as the most common facilitator for owning pets after SCI, with environment being the most commonly cited barrier. Companionship, love, and comfort/security were most commonly cited as rewards, while mobility was cited as a primary challenge of pet ownership after SCI. Additionally, two unexpected response themes emerged. Positive outweighs negative included assertions that benefits of having pets were not overshadowed by drawbacks, and Wishlist included desires for training and access to tools to facilitate pet ownership. CONCLUSIONS: Pet ownership is largely unexplored in individuals with SCI. Participants in this study indicated that pet ownership provides many benefits, though it is not without its challenges. Participants also noted the desire for training and resources to make pet ownership more accessible. Further exploration into informing development of those tools is warranted.

What happens post-lockdown for people with disability? Autonomy, quality of life, service access and health changes for people with spinal cord injury in Victoria, Australia after COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

Social distancing restrictions are undoubtedly important for controlling the spread of COVID-19 however, they are also adversely impacting population health and health service access. It is important that priority populations with a disability which may already have adverse health, access to health services, and autonomy and participation compared to those without disability, are able to receive preventative health and social care during periods of restriction. The impact of social distancing restrictions on people with disability is not uniform nor well-understood. Research has been cross-sectional and considered data gathered during social distancing restrictions, or longitudinal, considering data gathered during a pre-pandemic baseline. This longitudinal study investigated the impact of lifting social distancing restrictions on priority domains for people with disability including autonomy and participation, access to health services, health issues and quality of life. People with spinal cord injury in Victoria, Australia (n = 71) completed a survey towards the end of social-distancing restrictions (T1) and 6-months post social distancing restrictions (T2). Non-parametric tests for significant differences confirmed that 6-months post-lifting social distancing restrictions participants experienced a significant increase in health conditions, a significant decrease in the number of inaccessible health services, and a significantly lower level of limitations across participation and autonomy, outdoor autonomy and work and education domains. QOL improved 6-months post lifting restrictions, however not to a significant level. The adverse health experienced by people with spinal cord injury after lifting restrictions may in part result from limited health service access and reduced participation during the time of restrictions. Clear definitions of what constitutes as essential care may ensure that eligible and required care remains received during lockdown or instances when service provision is compromised. Health and social care providers should be equipped with the knowledge of priority populations so that their support can be targeted to those most in need.

Rasch Analysis of the International Quality of Life Basic Data Set Version 2.0.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the internal construct validity of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set Version 2.0 (QoL-BDS V2.0) and compare this with the internal construct validity of the original version of the QoL-BDS. DESIGN: International cross-sectional psychometric study. SETTING: Spinal rehabilitation units, clinics, and community. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved 5 sites and 4 countries, 2 of whose primary language is not English. Each site included a consecutive sample of inpatients with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) and a convenience sample of individuals with SCI/D living in the community (N=565). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The QoL-BDS V2.0 consists of the 3 original items on satisfaction with life as a whole, physical health, psychological health of the QoL-BDS, and an additional item on satisfaction with social life. All 4 items are answered on a 0-10 numeric rating scale. Rasch analysis was performed on versions 1.0 and 2.0 of the QoL-BDS to examine the ordering of the items' response options, item scaling, reliability, item fit, local item independence, differential item functioning, and unidimensionality. RESULTS: The sample included 565 participants with 57% outpatients and 43% inpatients. Mean age was 51.4 years; 71% were male; 65% had a traumatic injury, 40% had tetraplegia, and 67% were wheelchair users. Item thresholds were collapsed for ordering, and subsequent analyses showed good internal construct validity for the QoL-BDS V2.0 with a person separation reliability of 0.76 and Cronbach α of 0.81. Infit and outfit statistics ranged 0.62-0.91. No local dependencies and multidimensionality were found. Differential item functioning was observed only for country and inpatients vs outpatients but not for other participants' characteristics. Differences in internal construct validity between the 3-item and 4-item versions were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this Rasch analysis support the internal construct validity of the QoL-BDS V2.0.

Greener on the other side? an analysis of the association between residential greenspace and psychological well-being among people living with spinal cord injury in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a multisite survey study. OBJECTIVES: To describe associations between residential greenspace and psychological well-being among adults living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Community. METHODS: Participants were from the Spinal Cord Injury-Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Calibration Study (N = 313). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis was used to define five- and half-mile buffer areas around participants' residential addresses to represent community and neighborhood environments, respectively, and to create measures of natural and developed open greenspace. Associations of greenspace measures with two SCI-QOL psychological well-being domains (positive affect and depressive symptoms) were modeled using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, adjusted for demographic, injury-related, and community socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: People living in a community with a moderate amount of natural greenspace reported less positive affect and more depressive symptoms compared to people living in a community with low natural greenspace. At the neighborhood level, a moderate amount of developed open space was associated with less positive affect and more depressive symptoms than a low amount of developed open space. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, residential greenspace had a negative relationship with psychological well-being in this sample of adults with SCI. Understanding how and why natural spaces are associated with quality of life for people with mobility disabilities can influence public policy and urban planning designs to ensure that residential greenspaces are accessible and beneficial to all.